Hitachi CP-A221N

Hitachi CP-A221N

Hitachi's ultra-short throw projectors have always been impressive, so it's no surprise that the CP-A221N ($1,300 street) carries on in that tradition. It can throw a big, bright image onto a screen only a few inches away; it delivers high quality data images and better than par video for an XGA data projector; and it goes beyond the basics, including features like the ability to mount it facing straight down to give you a tabletop display. Add it all up, and it's a runaway pick for Editors' Choice. The CP-A221 is unusually small for an ultra-short throw projector. Most models from other companies, including the Dell S500wi ($1,599 direct, 4 stars), the NEC NP-U310W ($1,299 direct, 4 stars), and the Editors' Choice Optoma TW675UTi-3D ($1,800 street, 4 stars), are best reserved for either permanent installation or room to room portability on a cart. The CP-A221N is also suitable for both of those roles, but at 8.6 pounds and just 4.0 by 13.6 by 11.9 inches (HWD), it's light enough to carry by hand easily, and even use as a portable projector. One other key difference between the Hitachi projector and the other three models is that the CP-A221N isn't interactive. That means you can't replace an interactive whiteboard with it.